EXECUTIVE DINING ETIQUETTE: Dining Dilemmas

In the global marketplace of this century your people skills are as vital to your career as your industry expertise. Like a pair of favorite shoes we could all use some professional polishing up from time to time. Arming yourself with the simple rules of proper dining etiquette will protect you from unexpected embarrassing moments that could cost you credibility. Vince Lombardi, the late great football coach of the Green Bay Packers once said. “Confidence increases in direct proportion to preparation.” Common sense, courtesy and applying these etiquette guidelines are ingredients for a powerful confident presence to feast flawlessly up the corporate ladder of success.


Dining Dilemmas: Oops, I dropped my fork on the floor?

We have all found ourselves unexpectedly in dining dilemma desperation, an awkward or amusing moment when we would have actually preferred to crawl under the table than remain in our chairs. I would like to present a few tips to navigate through some of these common quandaries.

· Dropped silverware should remain on the floor but quietly alert the wait staff immediately.

· Always sample everything that is served unless you have a food allergy and then a simple “No thank you” is all that is necessary.

· Remove foreign matter from your mouth with your thumb and index fingers and place it on the edge of your plate.

· Point out to the wait staff in a gracious manner any strange objects in your food or on your plate.

· If a cough or sneeze comes on unexpected, turn your face towards your shoulder and cover your mouth with your napkin.

· If food is caught between your teeth, do not use a toothpick or pick with your fingers at the table but excuse yourself and remove it privately.

· Remove spoiled food from your mouth by covering your mouth with one hand and remove the food with the other.

· If you have taken a bite of food that is too hot in temperature quickly cool it down with your beverage.


Eating Various Foods: Can I eat my French fries with my fingers?

· You can eat your French fries with your fingers only at McDonald’s or other fast food restaurant. It is best to use your fork in most casual restaurants and certainly in a fine dining atmosphere.

· Break off a bite size piece of bread at one time over the bread plate to avoid distributing crumbs around the table.

· Finger foods are prepared to be eaten with your fingers, but be sure to have a napkin readily available.

· Chicken is eaten with the fingers only at a barbecue or family picnic.

· Use a fork to twirl a few strands of pasta at a time.

· Be sure to taste your food before salting to avoid excessive seasoning.

· Shrimp cocktail served with the tails may be eaten with the fingers.

· The petals of a whole artichoke are eaten with the fingers and the heart with a knife and fork.